La Agencia

Really enjoyed this. It's got virtually nothing in common with the French version & that doesn't matter. More of a dark comedy drama than Call my Agent.

Anyone who hasn't watched the French original, I sincerely advise you do that. This is merely a pale imitation. It's hard to put a finger on all the reasons why, but suffice to say that everything that's vital has been lost in translation.

The funny thing is, it's disconcertingly faithful to the original. The characters are each precise replicas of the French ones - even down to facial features - as are the settings, and the plot lines are often similar. But somehow the wit and flair of the original writing has all been sucked out. What you're left with is a rather empty shell.

I did enjoy "call my agent" for its quirkiness, its humor, scenes of Paris , wit etc. But After watching 2 series I found trying to read the subtitles as fast as the actors said the lines more and more difficult and .distracting. But it was entertaining and fun. I find this version has much of the same spirit but being able to concentrate on watching the acting nuances , instead of desperately reading the sub titles very rewarding. I have watched 3 episodes so far and and enjoying getting in to it, its An English version of the original, not simply a translation of the original....and as such I find it an enjoyable watch.

The French series was always going to be a difficult act to follow, and the British version somehow doesn't have the same warmth and finesse as the original.

A few points.

1. The introductory music is dreadful. It made us want to hit the stop button straight away.

2. In the French series, the real-life Actors and Agents were indistinguishable from each other, it was that good. This series has been patchy and I don't think the casting is quite as good, although I love Tim McInerney.

3. Everyone is over-polite to with each other. My French isn't good enough to compare to the original

4. The production values are great and the choice of stars is wonderful. With Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West particularly good.

5. I don't think the writing is as engaging as it was in the original. It's a pity as the series on its own is perfectly watchable.

There are lots of reviews here comparing this British version of France's original series Dix pour cent (Call my agent) and perhaps that series is far better than this version. I however did not see the original and cannot judge whether it truly is better or just the original which, if previously seen, could lead to a feeling of "I've seen it all before" and "It's not original" in some viewers of the earlier offering. For myself I found this British version completely addictive - I watched all 8 episodes in one day and was left wanting more - sir please? The situations the characters find themselves in are at times annoying and I did become frustrated with their incessant "Yes" but it is in the main extremely entertaining and superbly acted all round. I will survive but I am a but annoyed at now having to wait for a second season. I want the producers to say "Yes. We hear you. Great idea. So exciting. Well of course yes and here you go. Off you go now and enjoy season 2. Yes.'